Every NFL season has its surprises, but the real thrill often comes from teams that refuse to accept “underdog” status. For bettors and fans, these teams bring grit, unpredictability, and the chance for outsized returns. They may lack the hype of perennial contenders, but they draw attention by covering spreads, pulling off upsets, and defying expectations.
The 2024 season is no different. The Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Carolina Panthers have all proven they can punch above their weight, sparking conversation and driving sportsbook action. Let’s break down how each team has built its identity and why bettors keep circling these names.
The Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams entered the season with tempered expectations, but their resilience and adaptability have made them one of the most interesting NFL underdogs. With a roster in transition, the Rams rely on young talent while veterans like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald maintain the high standard. This balance between developing players and proven stars makes them challenging to handicap, and that’s precisely why they attract attention from bettors.
Offensively, rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua’s emergence has added unpredictability to their attack, while head coach Sean McVay’s play-calling continues to outsmart defenses. On defense, the Rams lack depth but thrive on energy, often making pivotal stops in high-leverage moments. Bettors have noticed: the Rams regularly challenge the spread, especially when oddsmakers underrate them.
For fans looking to bet on NFL games, the Rams embody opportunity. They may not always win outright, but their ability to overperform against expectations ensures they remain a fixture in weekly betting conversations.
The Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts perfectly capture the essence of NFL underdogs: young, energetic, and unpredictable. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson brings a unique dual-threat element, combining powerful runs with flashes of deep-passing brilliance. Although his inexperience sometimes shows, his athleticism keeps defenses on their heels and bettors intrigued.
The Colts gain a major boost from their revitalized run game. With Jonathan Taylor healthy and on the field, Indianapolis transforms into one of the league’s most formidable ground-and-pound offenses. That kind of identity, built on physicality and explosive plays, makes them a classic spoiler team capable of wrecking playoff aspirations for more heavily favored opponents.
Defensively, the Colts don’t dominate, but they create turnovers in crucial spots. For bettors, this creates volatility, which translates into opportunity. In games where they’re expected to lose badly, they often keep things close enough to cover. That’s why fans scanning the board to bet on NFL games consistently stop to consider the Colts; they embody high-risk, high-reward potential.
The Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are never short on drama, but what makes them compelling as NFL underdogs is their ability to deliver in unexpected spots. The team thrives on big-play potential, particularly through wide receiver Davante Adams, whose production can swing games singlehandedly. When Adams takes over, the Raiders transform from long shots to legitimate threats.
Coaching changes and quarterback uncertainty have contributed to their underdog label, yet those same factors make them unpredictable. Opponents often underestimate Las Vegas, only to find themselves in dogfights deep into the fourth quarter. For bettors, this volatility can be an asset, particularly when the Raiders get generous spreads against top-tier competition.
Their defensive front, anchored by Maxx Crosby, also gives them a fighting chance in any matchup. Bettors drawn to risk appreciate the Raiders’ knack for punching above their weight. They’re the kind of team that makes betting fun: you never know if they’ll collapse or stun, and that intrigue alone drives action.
The Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals may be deep in a rebuild, but their scrappy style makes them one of the most intriguing NFL underdogs. With quarterback Kyler Murray back under center, the Cardinals bring unpredictability on every snap. His mobility, paired with his ability to stretch the field vertically, forces defenses into uncomfortable decisions and creates volatility that bettors can exploit.
Even in games where the Cardinals are heavily favored to lose, they often play tougher than expected. Their defense, while inconsistent, delivers energy and opportunistic turnovers, keeping them alive in matchups that seem lopsided on paper. Rookie contributors and young talent add to the sense that Arizona can shock a complacent opponent at any time.
For bettors, the Cardinals represent value precisely because they’re overlooked. Spreads often underestimate their competitiveness, and fans eager to bet on NFL games see Arizona as an opportunity to capitalize on mispriced lines. They may not rack up wins, but they reliably deliver drama and betting intrigue.
The Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are rebuilding, and their 2023 season reflected the growing pains that come with developing a young roster. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young showed moments of intelligence and poise, but overall struggled behind a weak offensive line and inconsistent play calling. Despite their record, the Panthers fielded a defense that, while inconsistent, played with noticeable energy, a reflection of a young unit finding its footing.
Coaching instability, including the midseason firing of head coach Frank Reich, added to the unpredictability. From a betting perspective, Carolina was one of the least profitable teams ATS in 2023, often failing to meet expectations. Still, in select matchups where the public heavily fades them, there may be value in backing them as a contrarian play, but it’s a high-risk position rooted in long-term projection, not current performance.
Not Just For Hollywood
Underdog stories aren’t just for Hollywood; they play out every Sunday across the NFL. Teams like the Rams, Colts, Raiders, Cardinals, and Panthers show why betting on NFL underdogs can be as thrilling as rooting for traditional powerhouses. They thrive on volatility, challenge assumptions, and inject unpredictability into a league that thrives on spectacle.
For fans and bettors, these underdogs drive more than storylines; they drive action. Their ability to surprise opponents and defy odds makes them irresistible targets at the sportsbook. When you bet on NFL games, it’s not always about chasing favorites; sometimes, the smartest play lies in trusting the underdog with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Danielo Fleischeronic is the visionary founder of Awesome Football Network, a premier destination for in-depth football coverage and analysis. His commitment to the sport is reflected in the platform's rich content, which includes breaking news, match analyses, and expert commentary. Danielo’s extensive knowledge and passion for football drive the network’s mission to provide fans with the latest insights and updates from around the world.
In addition to his role as founder, Danielo is also an accomplished article writer. His writing covers a broad spectrum of football-related topics, from tactical breakdowns to player profiles, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the game. Through his work, Danielo aims to enrich the football experience for enthusiasts and professionals, making Awesome Football Network a trusted resource in the football community.
